The Guardian has announced its decision to stop posting on Elon Musk’s social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), stating that the platform’s negative content now outweighs any benefits. In a statement on November 13, the publication cited “disturbing content” on the platform, including far-right conspiracy theories and hate speech, as reasons for its departure.
“We want to inform our readers that we will no longer post on any official Guardian editorial accounts on X,” the announcement read. The Guardian, which manages over 80 accounts on X with around 27 million followers, emphasized its concerns regarding the platform's coverage and moderation standards, particularly noting that issues like far-right narratives and racist content have become prominent on X. The recent US presidential election cycle, it added, reinforced its stance on the platform's increasingly “toxic” environment.
The Guardian’s exit also reflects a broader trend of dissatisfaction with X since Musk’s acquisition of the platform for $44 billion in 2022. Musk, a self-proclaimed “free speech absolutist,” has restored several previously banned accounts, including those of controversial figures like conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, influencer Andrew Tate, and far-right activist Tommy Robinson. This approach to platform management has led to ongoing criticism from anti-hate speech groups and EU regulators, who have expressed concerns about X's lax content standards.
While The Guardian will cease official postings on X, the news organization clarified that it will continue to allow reporters to use the platform for newsgathering and that its content can still be shared by users on X. Posts from X may also occasionally appear in live reporting as deemed necessary. However, The Guardian encouraged readers to visit its website directly, stating that X now has “a diminished role in promoting our work.”
In response to The Guardian’s announcement, Musk dismissed the publication as “irrelevant” and labeled it a “propaganda machine,” underscoring the ongoing tension between the platform's owner and some media organizations.
With this decision, The Guardian joins other media outlets that have reassessed their engagement on X amid growing concerns about content moderation and the platform’s role in shaping public discourse. By redirecting its audience to its own site, The Guardian aims to maintain journalistic integrity while steering clear of a platform it no longer aligns with.
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